Dubai has banned the use of asbestos in roofing. Asbestos, which has earlier been banned in countries such as the UK, can cause a form of lung cancer called mesothelioma.

The disease, which affects the lining of the lungs, usually is diagnosed 20 to 40 years after asbestos exposure. In addition to pain, patients also commonly complain of shortness of breath.

Asbestos mixed with cement was still widely in pipes in Dubai, according to an industry source. Asbestos sheeting is also available in the market, and is cheap and light in weight.

Asbestos comes in three colours - blue, white and brown - each of which differ in their chemical properties. Brown asbestos is the worst as it has very small fibres which can pass even through a dust mask.